How to Make a Butter Board

The viral butter board is a fun way to serve butter and bread. This butter and goat cheese version is topped with figs, prosciutto, arugula, walnuts, balsamic glaze, and fresh herbs. Serve this beautiful 15 minute appetizer at your next dinner party to impress everyone's taste buds.

The Inspiration

They say we eat with our eyes and this could not be more true.

The butter board has taken the Internet by storm and people are claiming it might be the next charcuterie board.

It's amazing how simple bread and butter can be elevated to something more special.

I discovered the butter board from Sneji at the Modern Nonna. The concept originated from chef Josh McFadden and was made viral by Justine Doiron of Justine Snacks.

I love the idea of the board being a canvas, butter as the "paint" and all the toppings as elements of abstract art.

The butter board is amazing because you can be as creative as you'd like and there are a million different combinations you can make.

I'm sharing a half butter and half goat cheese version with figs, but also sharing a ton of flavor ideas and best tips so you can make a unique butter board of your own!

Why You'll Love this Recipe

This butter and goat cheese board is packed with flavors and textures.

The slight tanginess of the goat cheese compliments the sweetness of the figs and saltiness of the prosciutto.

We cut the buttery richness with peppery arugula, and bring in some acidity from the balsamic glaze.

You thought we were done, but a touch of red pepper flakes adds a spicy, unexpected kick.

Then, we top it with fresh herbs to brighten everything up.

In terms of texture, the creamy butter, goat cheese, and soft figs are contrasted by the crunch of their seeds and walnuts.

The prosciutto provides a slight chewiness along with the crusty bread.

I love how creative you can get with butter boards, and they are just as impressive as charcuterie boards, but way more affordable and faster to make.

Ingredients

How to Make a Butter Board

The best thing about butter boards is that you don't need a recipe.

Measure with your heart and eyes, and use the board as your canvas!

A butter board can be broken down into four main steps.

1. SPREAD the butter or creamy cheese of choice.
2. LAYER on the toppings.

3. SEASON with salt, pepper, or other spices.
4. GARNISH with fresh herbs or edible flowers.

Elements of a Butter Board

For the ultimate butter board that incorporates both flavor and textures, consider the elements below.

• Butter or soft cheese
• Toppings: Fruit preserves, fresh fruit, dried fruit, meats, vegetables, spices
• Acidity: lemon zest, orange zest, balsamic vinegar
• Sweetness: Honey, maple syrup
• Nuts: walnuts, pecans, pistachios, pine nuts, hazelnuts, cashews, almonds
• Herbs: Basil, oregano, parsley, cilantro, chives, rosemary, thyme, sage, mint
• Edible flowers: Pansies, marigolds, chive blossoms, chamomile, lavender

Of course, you don't have to have all of these elements, sometimes minimal ingredients are best.

Butter Board Flavor Combinations

Butter boards are so VERSATILE!

You can change up the ingredients based on what's in season or simply what you have on hand in your fridge.

Here are some ideas for inspiration!

• Bacon, black pepper, cayenne pepper, maple syrup, chives
• Bacon onion jam, dates, rosemary
• Pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, honey, pecans or walnuts
• Cinnamon, brown sugar, honey
• Sautéed shiitake mushrooms, garlic, cashews, balsamic drizzle, thyme
• Roasted garlic, parmesan cheese, parsley
• Cherries, lemon zest, pistachios, honey, mint
• Pear, honey, walnuts
• Pear, caramelized onions, balsamic vinegar, walnuts, thyme
• Cranberries, pecans, honey, chives
• Cream cheese, lox, red onions, everything bagel seasoning, scallions or dill
• Roasted tomatoes, garlic, balsamic vinegar, basil
• Feta cheese, olives, pepperoncini peppers, olive oil, oregano

Creamy Cheese Options

Butter makes everything better, but you can totally make butter boards without the butter.

Depending on the flavor profile of your toppings, you can use goat cheese, cream cheese, ricotta, feta, blue cheese, gorgonzola, or mascarpone cheese.

For crumbly cheeses like feta, blue cheese and gorgonzola, I recommend whipping it in a food processor with a touch of cream cheese, heavy cream, milk, or Greek yogurt to make it spreadable.

Tasty Tips

• Layer parchment paper on the board for easy clean up or if your board is not food safe. Put a dollop of butter or cheese under each corner to prevent it from moving around. I personally like serving it directly on the board as the oils condition the board.
• Use high quality butter. I used Irish grass fed butter.
• Slice the toppings into bite sized pieces to make it easy to eat.
• Serve with warm crusty bread or crackers.

FAQs

More Easy Appetizers You'll Love

• Fried Green Tomatoes with Goat Cheese
• Mozzarella and Cheddar Stuffed Cheesy Bread
• Pepperoni Cheese Rolls with Hawaiian Bread
• Garlic Parmesan Buffalo Wings